CRI听力:Professor Stephen McCaffrey wins 2017 Stockholm Water Prize

American Professor Stephen McCaffrey has won 2017 Stockholm Water Prize for his unparalleled contribution to the evolution and progressive realization of international water law.

The award has been announced on World Water Day, which falls on March 22.

CRI's Chen Xuefei filed this report from Stockholm.

In its citation, the Stockholm Water Prize Nominating Committee says Professor McCaffrey has made unique contribution to treaty negotiation, written the book The Law of International Watercourses and provided expert legal advice, wise counsel, training and facilitation of complex negotiations with a wide range of stakeholders.

In an interview with Stockholm International Water Institute, Professor McCaffrey said he was surprised to hear the news.

"Learning about the Stockholm Water Prize literally took my breath away. I am deeply honored and humbled to have been selected for this prestigious award. But one also stands on the shoulders of others, and I am most grateful to those who have paved the way for me."

McCaffrey's effective diplomacy during the years he served as UN Special Rapporteur for the International Law Commission resulted in the 1997 adoption of the draft articles of the UN Convention on the Law of Non-navigational Use of International Watercourses. It embodied principles that are the basis for adjudicating international water disputes today and planning for long-term management for countries that share international waters.

McCaffrey thinks the right to water is also a human right.

"I am happy to have taken the first tentative steps toward the development of the human right to water. One of the international community's most critical challenges during the 21st century will be implementing this right, both in developing and developed countries. "

In addition, he has provided critical insights, linking water law to policy, conflict resolution, benefit sharing, and environmental protection over the years.

Stephen McCaffrey is a Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, in Sacramento, California.

He will receive his prize from the hands of Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf on Aug. 30 during the 2017 World Water Week in Stockholm.

For CRI, Chen Xuefei, Stockholm.